Ask the Author: Judith Teitelman
Answered Questions (8)
Judith Teitelman
Hi Karen -
Thank you for your lovely review and for reaching out. I'm delighted "Guesthouse for Ganesha" captivated you. Regarding your question, I honor all readers' interpretation of how the story unfolds. There is no one "right" response. As when looking at any work of art, the viewer brings their individual history, background, and perspectives. It's wonderful for this author to hear different responses. I hope this is helpful, and I welcome any additional questions you might have.
- Judith
Thank you for your lovely review and for reaching out. I'm delighted "Guesthouse for Ganesha" captivated you. Regarding your question, I honor all readers' interpretation of how the story unfolds. There is no one "right" response. As when looking at any work of art, the viewer brings their individual history, background, and perspectives. It's wonderful for this author to hear different responses. I hope this is helpful, and I welcome any additional questions you might have.
- Judith
Judith Teitelman
Ah, this answer is limitless. I love to travel and explore new places. The world is endlessly fascinating. This is equally true of books. They take you places you might not likely get to otherwise. So wherever I go—in fiction or fact—I love to explore and learn.
Judith Teitelman
Being creative.
Judith Teitelman
I'm curious—about a topic, an issue, an idea, etc.—and I want to learn more.
Judith Teitelman
I have a second novel that is mostly languishing while I do all the necessary work to get "Guesthouse for Ganesha" out in the world.
Judith Teitelman
This novel reflects a range of life-long interests and personal passions, most especially that of eastern philosophies and perspectives overall and the Hindu God Ganesha, in particular.
The significant spark that conceived the gist of this story was finding out, at the family lunch following my grandmother's funeral, that she had been abandoned at the altar by her true love when she was 17 years old. I only knew my grandmother as a mean-spirited, bordering on nasty, woman. It was difficult and unpleasant to be around her. I attributed that her experiences as a Jewish woman during WWII—having to give up two daughters, leave her husband and home, struggle to survive, etc.—had hardened her irreparably.
But, no, it had been love. More precisely, lost love, devastated love, abandoned love—something most of us experience at one time or another—that had made her callous, unyielding, relentless, and self-absorbed the rest of her life. This informed all her actions. Yet also, and importantly, it made her a survivor.
Consequently, in a nutshell, though the route was quite circuitous and often unwieldy, filled with a lot of internal resistance, I felt compelled to honor her and this all too common, even universal experience. But, equally, I felt it important to situate her story in the largest context possible—reflected by, and with the views and insights and perspectives of not just an omnipotent narrator, but a Hindu God.
The significant spark that conceived the gist of this story was finding out, at the family lunch following my grandmother's funeral, that she had been abandoned at the altar by her true love when she was 17 years old. I only knew my grandmother as a mean-spirited, bordering on nasty, woman. It was difficult and unpleasant to be around her. I attributed that her experiences as a Jewish woman during WWII—having to give up two daughters, leave her husband and home, struggle to survive, etc.—had hardened her irreparably.
But, no, it had been love. More precisely, lost love, devastated love, abandoned love—something most of us experience at one time or another—that had made her callous, unyielding, relentless, and self-absorbed the rest of her life. This informed all her actions. Yet also, and importantly, it made her a survivor.
Consequently, in a nutshell, though the route was quite circuitous and often unwieldy, filled with a lot of internal resistance, I felt compelled to honor her and this all too common, even universal experience. But, equally, I felt it important to situate her story in the largest context possible—reflected by, and with the views and insights and perspectives of not just an omnipotent narrator, but a Hindu God.
Judith Teitelman
I don't know about "writer's block," per se, but when I'm "stuck"—for example trying to figure out how to move a character in a certain direction—it always helps me to move—yoga, walking, etc. Basically I need to stop trying to figure out the situation and just let my mind wander. Inevitably it takes me to the solution as to where my character needs to be.
Judith Teitelman
Hold fast to your vision and continue to persevere towards that vision. How long it might take does not matter. Also, remain curious.
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